What does HCAHPS stand for in the context of healthcare assessment?

HCAHPS stands for Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems. This standardized survey was created to measure patients' perceptions of hospital care, focusing on critical aspects such as communication with nurses and doctors, the responsiveness of hospital staff, and the cleanliness of the hospital environment.

The survey's design allows hospitals to gather feedback directly from patients, ensuring that their experiences and perceptions are captured systematically. This data is valuable for quality improvement initiatives within hospitals and offers patients a way to compare hospitals based on patient satisfaction scores. By utilizing HCAHPS, healthcare organizations can identify areas needing improvement and enhance the overall patient experience.